Walk in Shower Sizes

Many home renovators are asking the same question - is a 34 inch shower too narrow? And what about floor trays that are as small as 32"? Is it really a walk in shower if it's less than 37 inches?

Walk in Shower Sizes

Small Older Shower Sizes

Shower Curtain

Walk in Shower Sizes

Older shower enclosures may have been adequate at 32"x 48" with a 24" door, but most people will find these dimensions claustrophobic, in fact in many places there is a building code that makes it mandatory a shower be at least 30 inches wide. Two inches more than what is required by a builder's code, especially if the walls are solid, covered in tile and perhaps the only glass is a small door, is indeed a small shower enclosure.

Walk in Shower Sizes

Walk in Shower Sizes

Open Showers with Space and No Splash

However the main concern about a walk in shower is not the exact dimensions of it, but how it feels inside. How much light does it have? Does it have the illusion of space? That illusion of light and space can be achieved by using glass panels, glass blocks for walls or simply leaving the space open. The idea of a totally open shower stall scares many people away from a wonderful experience because they fear splashing.

Yet the key to an open style walk in shower is the flooring of the bathroom - waterproof teak, natural stone or nonskid tile flooring will solve this problem because the small amount of spray will not matter as much. And unless there will be body jets that spray horizontally out from the back walls, most vertical shower heads will cause minimal splash.

The keys to having an open shower without splash are twofold, the drainage and the way the floor of the shower is built. Where is your drain located and is the floor properly slanted or slightly elevated? Make sure the curb top has a slope back towards the central shower drain. Also a drain can be placed elsewhere in the bathroom, not just under the shower.

Walk in Shower Sizes

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How to Tile a Shower - 6 Steps to Take Before You Start

When learning how to tile a shower, there are several things that you have to consider. This is not a project that a first time do-it-yourselfer can usually tackle without help. A lot of preparation goes into a leak-free shower. Therefore you should consider a few things before you get started. Let's look at six things that are important.

How to Tile a Shower - 6 Steps to Take Before You Start

The first thing to think about is what kind of tile to get. You definitely want a good quality tile in your shower. This is not usually the place to put the bargain basement $.39 tile that you found on the street corner. A shower is such small square footage that you can get / square foot tile and it won't cost you that much. Make sure it's something that you like and won't mind looking at every day for several years. It's probably a good idea to get a porcelain tile as well. They absorb less moisture than ceramic and in an area that's going to be wet every day, that's probably a good idea.

Shower Curtain

How to Tile a Shower - 6 Steps to Take Before You Start

Another item to consider is the demolition of the existing shower. What kind of base are you starting from? Do you have a shower that you can get out easily or will it require some help? It's best to rip out the existing shower and get it down to the studs. Starting from scratch is how to tile a shower the right way.

How to Tile a Shower - 6 Steps to Take Before You Start

How to Tile a Shower - 6 Steps to Take Before You Start

You'll need to select a vapor barrier as well. Despite what some people believe, tile is not waterproof. If you just put tile on the wall, you are asking for a really big mess in the future. Something has to protect the wall from the moisture and it isn't going to be the tile itself.

After you choose a vapor barrier you'll need to get some cement backer board as well. This is what you will actually lay the tile on. If you don't you're asking for trouble. It gives you a sturdy base on which to install the tile. It's a lot like installing drywall in that you cut it to fit and screw it on.

Make sure you have the proper materials besides the tile as well. You'll need thin-set and grout as well. To do a proper job you'll also need a grout sealer after the job is done. It's best to get all of the materials before you get started. This way there won't be any delays in getting the job done.

The last thing to remember before you start installing is to bring the right tools to the job. It's best if you have a wet-saw to cut the tile with. You'll need something to cut the cement board, trowels, buckets, spacers, and a few other items to do a good job. Without the proper tools, you won't be able to install the shower properly. The last thing anyone wants is a leaky shower. There's nothing worse than thinking you knew how to tile a shower and then find a leak. The best way to avoid this all together is with the proper planning.

How to Tile a Shower - 6 Steps to Take Before You Start

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